Mind, Motion & Matter

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The Great Ethiopian Gala Adventure

Gladstone Avenue Extension

With six weeks to go until the gala, life is speeding up and I will have to discipline myself not to try to get too much done in a day.  That is my excuse for not posting yesterday, though do I need an excuse?   I ran three miles on Sunday along West Queen West, that strip of Queen West from Trinity Bellwoods over to Dufferin.  the highlight of the run was to run for the very first time through the newly built underpass connecting one part of Dufferin Street to another.  Dufferin street just north of Queen, used to do a U-jog east, then south then west but now it goes straight through Queen street down to King and southward.  Exciting times for Parkdale.  In addition, Gladstone avenue is being extended and I think there was talk of building a foot bridge over the GO Train tracks to connect Queen and King street.

Connecting Dufferin to Dufferin

In the spirit of cutting back mileage to rest up for speedwork, I ran three miles again, this morning and it most certainly did feel like the first day of spring.  Yippee!   On the way to work I spotted these beautiful snowdrops which made me wonder whether my single snowdrop from last year survived the winter.  This bunch was quite developed, so maybe my less mature snowdrop is just taking its time.

Snowdrops

I took a coffee break at the Tampered Press, yet another espresso bar in the downtown coffee zone.  This place has a view of Trinity Bellwoods park which makes you feel like you are in smalltown Ontario.

Gala Committee on a Roll

After work, our People4Kids gala committee met at a Kokyo Japanese Restaurant at Alexander and Yonge.  It was our first restaurant meeting and the mood was frisky as all are pleased about ticket sales and the response to our event.  We are feeling confident that we will sell out.   A couple of committee members from Ethiopia recall attending parties at our place and feeling somewhat embarrassed to be part of the very small minority of party attendees who did not run.  They were however encouraging Chung-Yee and me to visit Ethiopia and take part in the Great Ethiopian Run in November, the largest 10K in Africa. We both decided that it is something we will consider, probably not this year but maybe in a year or two.  But, even more compelling, we would be able to visit the little girl whose education we help sponsor. Considering all the dire news these days, most recently from the Ivory Coast, it feels good to be closely connected to this program.


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Spring Things

In 2008 our front yard crocus blossomed on April 5th and in 2009 it blossomed on March 21st.  In spite of this late arriving spring, the crocus blossomed a bit earlier than these years, flowering just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Early arrival of crocus.

I’ve been sporadically recording the dates of when things bloom since 2005.   I expect to see periwinkle and forsythia in early to mid-April with many others to follow shortly after.   We planted some snowdrops in the fall of 2009 and only ONE came up.  I had planned to plant more last fall but got lazy or busy or something like that.   Another sign of spring is that babies come out of hiding.

Yesterday I was quite stiff after my Thursday night workout and were it not for the three errands I could do on my run, might have taken a day off.  I ran three miles with a very clipped stride, first to drop off a baby gift, then to the post office and finally to the bank.  I ended my run at Starbuck’s, ordering a triple-venti-whole milk-vanilla latte.

Barely three weeks old!

Given my near hobble yesterday, I was well pleased to feel fairly comfortable running 14 miles this morning. It bodes well that my body is bouncing back from a hard workout in 48 hours. The pace for the run was relatively slow but good enough at this point in my training. A big surprise was the runnable condition of the beltline. For the Toronto runner, that may be one of the top five signs that spring is around the corner.


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Running Through the Ages

Age-graded tables use a number of variables to compare performances at different ages in track and road running events. These age-graded tables quantify the typical decline in athletic performance as we age as well as the improvement that comes as a young athlete reaches their prime. The World Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA), the world governing body for masters (veterans) track and long distance running athletes are responsible for the development of these tables as well as ongoing updates.

Check out the latest age-graded calculator HERE

Masters athletes thrive on the interesting comparisons to open-age athletes made possible by these tables. The tables were updated in 2006 and recently adopted, and to my delight I discovered that the 3:10:02 marathon I ran at age 50 to set an Ontario 50-54 record has been upgraded considerably.  According to the 1994 tables my time was equivalent to a 2:50:05 marathon but in the past year I had a look and my time is now thought to be the equivalent to a 2:40:00 marathon.  Gee, if I had run one second faster, I would have (virtually) broken the 2:40 barrier.

I’m not sure why they changed the tables but suffice to say that as a 2:50 equivalent I expected that it would not take long for this record to be broken.  As far as I know, the record still stands so it seems the table-makers have grounds for their changes.  I should mention that I have no aspirations to try and break the Ontario 55-59 record as that mark is an outstanding 3:11:56 run by Paula Hickman of Ottawa which is also the Canadian record.  That time is equivalent to a 2:30 marathon and not far off Sylvia Ruegger’s 2:28:36 the Canadian open record that has stood for 36 years.  CLICK HERE to read an article about speedster Paula Hickman who is planning to go for it when she turns 60.

Paul Hickman setting a stellar Canadian age-group marathon record. (Photo from Digital Journal)

Regarding the discovery of my lowered age-graded equivalent, who knew that you could improve your marathon time without taking a single step.


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Laps on St. Pat’s

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To celebrate the part-Irishness of my husband and son, I did wear green today.  I find that people who don’t know me are a bit surprised to discover that my son is part Irish.  As a tribute to this Irishness, I seek out shamrock shaped dishes and collect shamrock tea cups although not Beleek tea cups as they cost far more than I want to pay.  We visited the Beleek factory when we visited Ireland and came away empty handed as the Canadian dollar did not buy much.

I joined the U of T workout today and attendance was about one-third of last week.  Could it be the lure of a good old Irish pub and a tankard of Guiness? Well none for me today, or tomorrow but I will republish a favourite photo taken at the Guiness factory.

As for the run I was pleased to do 10 X 200 metres in 42-46 seconds per lap. We did some amazingly hard stair exercises of hopping from step to step on the same leg! Give that a try and see what you think. It didn’t help that the stairs were concrete.  I’m gonna get faster but it will take time.

It has been a troubling week for the world so instead of the “may the wind be at your back” poem I’ll conclude with this provocative Yeats offering.

The Second Coming
by W. B. Yeats

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?


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A Bit of Cortisone for the Road

Today was a big day for my husband.  Finally, he had his appointment with a orthopeadic surgeon to get the scoop on his torn meniscus.  The doc seemed to favour continued physiotherapy for his 3 year-long battle with knee pain.  I think my husband was hoping he would suggest that a quick fix of arthoscopic surgery would do the trick and after a bit of healing up he’d be back at it.  Not so as ambiguity lingers on.

The doctor gave him a shot of cortisone to reduce inflammation to provide some temporary relief but what lies ahead?  More physiotherapy it seems but now the therapist will have the benefit of the MRI of his knee.  Can it be that my husband will never run another marathon?   Sad, very sad . . .

Too Much Information - Portrait of My Husband's Torn Meniscus

As for me, I ran three miles on the treadmill to take it easy in case I decide to go to the track tomorrow.  I met a former workmate for dinner at Carole’s Cheesecake in Yorkville and then we walked about 2.5 miles before she hopped on the subway and I walked a couple of blocks home.  That felt quite good as I indulged in half a piece of pistachio cheesecake, in addition to a large pecan square at a work meeting.   I have officially given up, giving up sweets for Lent and am ashamed of my feeble intent.  I have however done better with my resolve to limit alcohol consumption.

I had not seen this friend for almost seven months!  We discussed the possibility of taking a course together at OCAD.  I see a pattern emerging – to increase the odds of regular liaisons, work together, run together, take a course together or sit on the People4Kids gala committee.


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The Long Way Home

Due to the promise of 6C in the afternoon I decided to skip my usual morning run, and run home from work.  I am now in the enviable position of living one mile from where I work and just loving the quality of life that comes with it.  But, it does mean that this run involved a 6 mile detour.  The direction of the detour was dictated by the wind from the southeast. 

Life on a Lake Ontario Ice Floe

Steps from work, is a path that is part of my route from home so it was south to the lake and then a right turn west with a bit of a tailwind. While not as warm as I had hoped, it felt great to end the workday running along the lake and then through High Park and home for a total of 7 miles. 

This winter reminds me of living in Ottawa where one inevitably lost memory of what spring is like by the end of it.  In spite of this taste of spring, I’m finding it hard to imagine running in shorts and a singlet.

Excerpt from . . . To Spring   Willam Blake

Come o’er the eastern hills, and let our winds
Kiss thy perfumèd garments; let us taste
Thy morn and evening breath; scatter thy pearls
Upon our lovesick land that mourns for thee.


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Back to the Track

Indoor Track – 3000 Meters – 2003?

I haven’t felt really perky this last week following my speed workout at U of T. And in the last leg of my 14.5 miles on Saturday I stumbled while running down Christie street and pitched forward completely sliding on my hands along the sidewalk. I was able to pick myself up and continue running but I had a bit of stiffness afterwards from the jolt. Then yesterday I did a bit of gardening which I find very hard on the lower back so this morning I was feeling quite stiff. When I hit the cold morning air, I decided to head straight for the treadmill at the YMCA where I did a very slow five miler.

My thoughts are coming together on the marathon I’m supposed to be training for. I’ve been doing a lot of research but have been unable to come up with a stand-in for Boston. I considered the London marathon but that sold out ages ago. I’m pumped for Boston 2012, and New York 2011 so I’m on the verge of deciding that I’ll start my training for the fall NOW and skip the spring marathon. The next 7 weeks are going to be crazy with gala work, so I won’t be in great shape this spring anyhow so fall marathon here I come.

A part of the decision to skip a spring marathon will be committing to regular speedwork with the Masters group at U of  T. For the first time in my life, I’m finding it hard to increase my mileage and increase the quality of my workouts in tandem. With the longer build-up I can take my time to get some speed back and then start building my mileage. So there you have it, my short-term goal. The medium term goal will be to run some shorter distance races once I get a bit of speed back. If things go well, maybe I’ll even do some outdoor track.


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Thoughts, Prayers & Thanks

I am grateful to the many individuals who have inquired as to whether I have relatives affected by the tsunami in Japan and add these thoughts to their kind inquiries and words.

May this natural disaster and true human tragedy become an invitation for us to enter into the ongoing work of reaching out to the poor and those in need and seeing in their face and in their need the face of love.

May we say “Yes” to this invitation to practice the spiritual works of mercy. May this human tragedy become an occasion of grace and invitation to love.

Blessings to all, particularly those who are suffering through the hardships of natural disaster and political oppression.


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A Toast to Ed Whitlock

I attended a birthday celebration for Ed Whitlock held this afternoon.

Ed is most proud of the 2:54 marathon her ran at age 73. His all-time personal record (PR) is 2:31:23 run at the relatively youthful age of 48. While in the 75-79 age group he has run a 3:04:54 marathon and a 39:25 10K. He is still the only 70 year old to have run under 3 hours for a marathon.

All were encouraged to share Ed anecdotes. I told the story about the pre-marathon lunch with Ed that I had blogged about earlier this week.

Ed's Birthday Bash

Yesterday I had a free cupcake at Starbuck’s to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. Today, I felt I could not say no to a piece of Ed’s 80th birthday cake. We went to a Scottish pub for dinner and my husband insisted that since he had given up alcohol for Lent I should use up my one night of the week for a drink and order a drink given the pub ambience. I’m going to have to rethink my lenten sacrifices as I don’t think I’m off to a good start here.

Earlier in the day I ran 14.5 miles but in spite of the good conditions never felt great on the run although I did feel good about the run afterward. Good things happening in the Gala department. My sister and her family are going to be Family-Patron Sponsors and Franklin Templeton is going to buy ten tickets and the Royal York is donating a certificate for a one-night stay to the Silent Auction. WooHoo!


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Some are in Spain, Others in California

Crocus

But I am in Toronto and like everyone else in Toronto, waiting for spring or at least the promise of spring to arrive.  My husband spotted these crocus making their way towards the sun on our front lawn.

Friends in the neighbourhood have chosen a fantastic time to be away and are enjoying the legendary Spanish sun. They sent photos of the Barcelona Marathon, likely taken while sipping wine or enjoying a latte. These friends have let us know that they have watched and admired us through the years, going out for our runs but have never felt compelled to run themselves.

Barcelona Marathon - Seen by Toronto Tourists (Rick M.)

One of our Saturday run regulars responded promptly to the regular Are-you-running? email with news that he is in California and had to apply a second coat of sunscreen.

Let’s be happy for all those Torontonians who are away in sunny places to enjoy a wonderful preview of spring and summer!  And another cheer for runners who need wet sponges to cool off a bit.

We visited Spain a couple of years ago in late-May. Retiro Park in Madrid is a fabulous place to run.  We were one block away and this park feels fairly safe for a lone female. Barcelona, especially the Gothic quarter is a place to take great care while walking or running.  Barcelona was named the pickpocket capital of the world by Trip Advisor. Gaudi’s Guell Park seemed to be a favourite with runners and although it is quite a climb to get there I would definitely like to run there should I visit again.

Sponges for overheated runners. (Rick M.)

But back to reality, I left the house with a base layer of shorts and singlet should I decide to run indoors, under my lined wind pants and a Gore-Tex jacket.  I ran past the YMCA and decided that the this was a day when the owners of Gore-Tex, waterproof pants would feel the purchase justified.  I could not bear the thought of clingy wet, pants so did my short three miler on the treadmill.  Oh mister sun, sun . . . and I promise to clean up the garden and front yard on the first sunny day.

Memories of Sunshine - Plaza Mayor, Madrid, 2009